Health has come to be of paramount importance off late, and the trick is not just going with fitness and food, it is also the beverages that are taking in a new turn on the lines of good health.
The health trends are nowadays focused on gathering attention on two things – mindful eating and stress. Mental health is gaining momentum and the other trends falling into their ranks are back by this very trend.
One of the most detrimental effects of stress is the suppression of the immune system and, therefore, a higher risk of illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infections.
Science-backed ingredients that are clinically proven to support the immune system during times of stress are being incorporated into innovative beverage solutions to provide a compelling offer that addresses this concern.
A beverage need not always be something that you gulp down. The idea that a drink can also be a provider of essential nutrients is what makes wellness drinks a big hit.
One might get carried away with the idea of having these healthy beverages that they think are good for their health. It is essential to know the right quantities and ingredients to stay away from overuse of these drinks.
Let’s have a look at what you should be sipping instead of your cola!
Kombucha
Kombucha is made by adding particular strains of bacteria, sugar and yeast to green tea or black tea by allowing it to ferment for over a week. In this process, the yeast and bacteria form a film that resembles a mushroom on the surface of the drink. This is the reason why it is also called “the mushroom tea.”
The reason this is done with green tea is because of the antioxidant proportions that positively impact liver health.
Since Kombucha is a product of fermentation, there is quite a visible presence of probiotic bacteria in it. These probiotic bacteria are a carrier of elements that help in balancing microbiome of the gut and aids in improved digestion.
The Kombucha made with green or black tea presents strong antibacterial properties, especially against the ones that cause infection and against Candida yeasts.
These antimicrobial impacts restrain the growth of unwanted yeast and bacteria, although they do not influence the helpful, probiotic bacteria and yeasts concerned to kombucha fermentation.
Kombucha also comprises of a small quantity of minerals and vitamins that are generated when yeast breaks down the sugars.
These nutrients are Vitamins B1, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin B. A lot of people consider that Kombucha aids in treating a few types of chronic health issues.
Nevertheless, studies on the effects of Kombucha are very few, and the indication towards better health are limited.
On the contrary, there is enough proof for the advantages of tea and probiotics, both of which are found in Kombucha. If you are determined to try the homemade Kombucha, be sure that it is prepared suitably.
Not following the procedure of Kombucha in the prescribed manner may result in Contaminated Kombucha, which has the power to cause more harm than good.
Kefir
If you are lactose intolerant, the best way to obtain your probiotics in the most natural way is Kefir. Kefir is a strained yoghurt drink that has nearly no dairy-sugar. It is also a rich source of protein, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin B12.
The best way to have this is by infusing it in your fruit smoothies. As with yoghurts, the added flavours mean added sugar. So it is suggestible to look for varieties with 10 grams of sugar or lesser per serving.
Like Kombucha, Kefir is also a fermented drink which is traditionally made using cow or goat milk. Kefir grains, unlike the cereal grains, are added to milk which are groups of lactic acid bacteria and yeast which look like cauliflower.
For about twenty-four hours, these microorganisms are allowed to do their thing and ferment the sugars in the milk that turns out to be the healthy Kefir.
The lactic acid bacteria in the grains turn the milk’s lactose content into lactic acid, which gives the Kefir the sour taste like yoghurt with a thinner texture. In addition, there is also evidence that some enzymes help break down the lactose even more.
Because of the lactic acid bacteria in fermented dairy foods, like yoghurt and Kefir turn lactose into lactic acid, making these foods much lower in lactose content than milk.
Post this process, the grains are extracted out of the drink to be used again. One might get confused as to how is Kefir different from kefir grains. Kefir is a drink, whereas kefir grains are the culturing agents of this drink that are used to make this beverage.
The origin of this drink is seen in Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. Interestingly, Kefir got its name from the Turkish word ‘Keyif’ which means feeling good. This gives all the more reason to have this drink apart from its health benefits.
Full-fat Kefir is an excellent source of calcium and also Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 plays a vital role in calcium metabolism. A reasonable consumption of K2 has shown to reduce the risk of fractures by as good as 81%.
Water with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular types of vinegar drinks known for health benefits in the natural health category.
It has maintained a reputation of leading to all kinds of advantages, of which, many of them are supported by science including reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, weight loss improved type of diabetes. There is also evidence of it in ancient folk remedies used for various household purposes.
The preparation of apple cider vinegar is similar to that of alcohol in a two-step process. The first step is exposing crushed apples, also known as apple cider to yeast cells. These cells ferment the sugars in the fruit crush, turning them into alcohol. The second step is adding bacteria to this alcohol solution for turning it into acetic acid, the active compound in vinegar.
The word vinegar is derived from the French word “Vinegar” meaning ‘sour wine.’ This vinegar contains proteins, friendly bacteria and enzymes that give the product its dingy appearance.
The best part about this vinegar drink is that it only contains three calories per tablespoon! So for all you people looking out for weight loss, this drink can do wonders.
Like the other wellness beverages we are talking about, Apple cider vinegar might not contain as many nutrients in it, but it sure does contain a small amount of potassium. Good quality apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants and amino acids.
The most successful application of vinegar undoubtedly till date is for people with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is identified by high blood sugar levels, either because of an inability to produce insulin or insulin resistance.
Anyhow, high blood sugar can also cause a problem in people who don’t have diabetes. It is believed to be a significant cause of ageing and many other chronic diseases.
Almost everyone should benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the normal levels. The healthiest and effective way to do that is to avoid refined carbs and sugar, but apple cider vinegar can also have a powerful effect.
Surprisingly, studies also proved that vinegar could benefit you to lose weight.
Several human types of research have shown that vinegar can increase satiety, help you eat fewer calories and lead to actual pounds lost on the scale.
Chia Seed Beverages
Each ounce of chia seeds (seriously, only an ounce!) contains about 11g of fibre and 4g of protein, not to mention the omega fatty acids, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium, to name a few.
A typical serving size is about 1 1/2-2 ounces, so you get even more benefits than this! All of these nutrients can have a positive impact on your body’s overall health, so let us explore precisely how chia seeds can help you feel better inside and out!
Chia seeds are one of the trendiest foods on the market these days. You can find them in all kinds of health foods stores and recipes, but as with all trendy foods, the real question is what exactly are chia seeds, and are they indeed that good for you? The fundamental truth is that chia seeds are one of the few foods that are packed with nutrients, and very few (if any) negative side effects.
Most of the carbohydrate grams in chia seeds are from fibre, which means that they will not raise your blood sugar and are typically easier for most people to digest.
This high fibre consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. With only a spoonful or two of chia seeds needed to reach your daily recommended value, fighting off disease has never been so easy!
Yes, chia seeds can also help with weight loss, some studies suggest! This will, of course, depend on your overall activity levels, diet, and physical makeup, but fibre itself has been linked to weight loss in many cases. The fibre absorbs water in your stomach, which helps curb your appetite.
The combination of carbohydrates and protein in chia seeds have additional benefits as well: most notably, this combo helps chia seeds to refuel you throughout the day and give you the extra energy you need to keep moving!
Chia seeds also provide many natural deterrents to common signs of ageing. They are high in calcium, which has, of course, been linked to better bone health.
It’s effortless to make a chia seed drink! The best way is to add two teaspoons of chia seeds to a cup of water. Stir the water until it’s thoroughly mixed in. Put it in the fridge, and the next morning the chia seeds will grow in size become a gel-like texture that’s easy to drink!
Noni juice
Noni juice is a tropical drink extracted from the Morinda citrifolia tree’s fruit.
The fruit and its tree are growing among lava flow in Southeast Asia, particularly among Polynesia.
Noni is pronounced as NO-nee. It is a lumpy, mango-sized fruit that is yellow. It’s very bitter and has a distinct odour that is at times told to smell like rotten cheese.
Polynesian peoples used noni in traditional folk medicine for almost 2,000 years. It’s usually used to treat health issues like infections, constipation, arthritis and pain.
Today, noni, in most cases consumed as a juice compound. The juice is packed up with potent antioxidants and may help in several health benefits.
Like most of the fruit juices, noni juice also consists of mostly carbs. Noni Juice is rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune health and skin.
Besides, it’s a great source of folate and biotin, B vitamins that play many essential roles in your body, including helping convert food into energy.
Noni juice may decrease cellular damage, especially from the smoke of tobacco. Exposure to tobacco smoke causes dangerous amounts of free radicals. Excessive amounts may also lead to cellular damage and cause oxidative pressure.
Oxidative stress is related to many ailments, which can include diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Studies have shown that consuming foods rich in antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress.
Noni juice may improve physical endurance. Pacific Islanders have believed that eating noni fruit will strengthen the body during long fishing trips and voyages.
Few studies have proven the positive effects of drinking noni juice during exercise. Noni juice consists of a high amount of polysaccharides which triggering the activity of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are one of the kinds of white blood cells, which plays a vital role in the human body to protect our body from several types of disease.
This beverage also consists of a component called scopoletin, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, antimutagenic, and antibacterial properties, which, without a doubt, will strengthen the immune system of our body.
The noni juice has few antioxidant qualities, and it has a huge potential to cure many psychiatric disorders. Subjects with mental disorders show an improvement in their behaviour since they consume noni juice. The noni juice has a therapeutic effort on diseases related to central nervous systems due to its natural chemical components. That chemical elements have a contribution to preventing cerebral ischemic stress.
This noni juice concentrate also consists of phytonutrients, which delays the process of gastric emptying, which will cause the discharge of sugar into the bloodstream slowing down. Noni juice will also energize the release of digestive enzymes without any change in the amount of feces, urine, and intestinal transit.
